Dartford Borough Council News

Dartford Borough Council has launched the Community Grant scheme. With a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £3,000 available, local ‘not for profit’ registered charities and community groups can apply in order to improve their offering to Dartford’s residents.

Eligible projects must fit objectives, aiming to improve Dartford’s sporting provision, or services to young or older people. The Council will support voluntary projects that promote sporting excellence, work towards improving club standards through accreditation or training; or that provide new, (or expand upon existing), services and activities which directly benefit young or older people. Applications will be judged by a panel of councillors and successful applicants will receive their funding before the end of the current financial year.

Cllr Jennifer Rickwood is Chair of the grants approval panel and says, “Dartford Borough Council places great emphasis on empowering residents to improve their own communities. The Community Grant scheme will do just that – and reward innovative and effective local projects and volunteers with funding to continue to improve the services and activities available locally in Dartford. I look forward to seeing the worthy array of projects Dartford has to offer and awarding the grants.”

Further information and an online application form is available at www.dartford.gov.uk/business/DartfordBoroughGrants.htm. Applications must be received by close of business on Wednesday 29 February 2012 and should be sent to grants@dartford.gov.uk with requested supporting documents.

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The second annual Carol Concert in Dartford’s Central Park has been hailed a success with over 400 Dartford residents braving the distinctly chilly weather to enjoy this year’s event on Wednesday 14 December.

The Carol Concert, which was free to Dartford residents, featured Dartford Choral Society, the Salvation Army Band (Dartford Corps) and barbershop quartet Voice Male.

Carols and musical performances were interspersed with readings by the Mayor, Council Members and Officers.

Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said, “After the success of last year’s Carol Concert, we would’ve been daft not to do it again. Wednesday’s concert was great and it was fantastic to see so many of the Borough’s residents turning out again on such a cold night.”

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The Deep Clean team are coming to an area near you and need your help.

If you lend a hand, you will be working alongside the Deep Clean team to tackle everything from graffiti and litter to overgrown pathways, and make your community sparkle.

You will be provided with all the equipment you need to help the Deep Clean team clean up your area – all you need to do is turn up!

The Deep Clean team are hitting Dartford’s streets on Monday 5 December to clean up the River Darent from Brooklands Lakes to Mill Pond Road. On Tuesday 6 December they will continue to the Burnham Road area for a two-day long intensive cleaning spree. Roads around Dartford Town Centre will be the focus for Thursday 8 & Friday 9 December.

To register your interest in helping clean up your community, call 01322 343353 or email janice.collins@dartford.gov.uk

Councillor Chris Shippam, Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, said, “It will be great to see the local community lending a hand at the Deep Cleans in and around the town centre this week. It’s true that many hands make light work and we can all do our bit in tidying up the town.”

For more information about the initiative and upcoming Deep Clean dates, visit www.dartford.gov.uk/deepclean

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